Rac GTPase regulation of 3D invasion in neuroblastomas lacking MYCN amplification.

ABSTRACT: Neuroblastomas are highly invasive tumors that occur in pediatric patients and treatment of invasive disease remains a challenge. The study of cells invading in 3-dimensional (3D) hydrogels has revealed morphologically distinct modes of invasion by which cancer cells adapt to the local tissue environment in order to invade local tissue. Specifically, the small G protein Rac GTPase has been implicated as regulating the elongated/mesenchymal mode of cell invasion. In the present study we demonstrate an inverse association between Rac expression and amplification of MYCN, a well-established prognostic indicator in neuroblastoma. Moreover, the association further tracks with previously described morphological variants of neuroblastoma. Importantly, while MYCN amplification is associated with u

SUBMITTER: Mitchell CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5308223 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature